BMW C600 Sport - Capable Commuter

BMW’s latest maxi-scooter is so good; it might attract motor-bikers from the other side of the fence.

In the past, there was always a clear line drawn between bikers - you were either a motor-biker, or a scooter. It was as simple as that. Other than the fact that both modes of transport have two wheels, they were once worlds apart in pricing, function, and dynamic ability. Bridging this class divide, more than ever before, is the BMW C600 Sport.

To lure motorcyclists into the realm of “twist-and-scoot”, the C600 is styled beautifully and even resembles the S1000RR - BMW’s range-topping superbike. Powered by a 647cc parallel-twin engine, it produces a respectable 60bhp at 7500rpm, which is enough to give most bikes (and more than a few small cars) a run for their money. Conceptually, the C600 is said to offer sporty riding and cruising capability in a package that scooter-loving urban commuters can appreciate, too.

BMW C600 Sport

To emphasize its sporting/touring credentials, the C600 Sport comes with 40mm upside-down forks and monoshock rear suspension with over 115mm of travel. These are accompanied by 15-inch wheels, which afford decent options when it comes to tire choices. A three-way manually adjustable windscreen, with three preset positions, lets the rider switch easily between city and highway riding.

In terms of stowage, the C600 Sport’s party trick is its under­-seat Flexcase compartment, which can be “dropped down” when parked to hold a pair of full-face helmets. (For safety, the scooter cannot be started when the storage bay is in use.) Another welcome feature is the parking brake mechanism. Park the bike on either its side or center stand and the brakes are applied automatically - this is useful when parking on a slope, as scooters with an automatic transmission usually lack a handbrake.

From behind the handlebars, the dash pad and controls leave me in no doubt that I’ve just straddled a BMW. Simple, clear and effective, the layout is ergonomic and aesthetically pleasing. The C600 Sport also positions the rider higher than most other scooters, resulting in a great view of the surroundings - perfect for squeezing between vehicles at rush hour.

I press the starter button, and am greeted by a surprisingly sporty engine note. Twist the throttle, get going, and there’s nary a hint of poor fuelling or snatchiness from the “twin” - which means acceleration is instant and impressive. Revving a typical scooter can be an agonizing affair, since they all sound like tortured lawnmowers after a certain point, but on this particular example, the engine is relaxed and reasonably silent, even at higher revs. I dare say it has character.

Where the C600 Sport really shines is in the ride and handling department. The “Sport” tag in its name is no mistake, as the C600 tackles bumps and corners with a shrug of its shoulders. The ride is undeniably on the firm side, but the difference is that the suspension is properly damped - as on a “regular” motorcycle. And the faster you go, the more forgiving the setup becomes, which makes holding a tight line through corners effortless unlike on an ordinary scooter with inferior suspension.

Through the bends, the C600 Sport doesn’t disappoint. Thanks to its wide 15-inch rubber and 1591mm wheelbase (71mm longer than the Peugeot Geopolis’, reviewed on the previous page), the bike is nimble and stable at the same time. Push it to the point where you might scratch the exhaust and the C600 just keeps on going, leaning at a fairly ridiculous angle. It would take a very brave or silly rider to deck this scooter.

Downtown, the BMW is unable to negotiate peak-hour gridlock like a smaller scooter can, but it’s still way more agile than any motorcycle. And because the parallel-twin layout has a 70-degree incline, the C600 has an extremely low center of gravity, which makes maneuvering around cars a little easier. But to be honest, throughout my test ride, I didn’t encounter a single traffic situation where the C600’s relatively beefy dimensions proved a major hindrance.

I consider the BMW C600 to be the Swiss Army knife of scooters - it’s incredibly versatile, extremely cool, and very practical. If you seek a daily ride you can also take on short weekend getaways, you’d be hard- pressed to find anything better.

The C600 Sport costs a lot, however. For its $22k price, you could get a “proper” Class 2 motorbike or almost two units of the aforementioned Geopolis. But look at it this way - the closest rival to the BMW is the Yamaha Tmax, which costs just $200 more, produces 10bhp less, and is slightly clumsier around town. Still think the Bimmer is expensive?

Sporty scooting: This scooter offers superb handling and a very well-damped ride

Spot the sport: There is a bit of superbike influence in the styling of the C600 Sport

Maxi carry: Attach a roomy cargo box, and turn the C600 into a scooter grand tourer

‘Big’ braking: Anti-lock brakes are part of C600’s “grown-up” equipment